I’ve been covering travel and food for the last 20 years but contrary to what many people seem to think, I haven’t been everywhere—but I’m working on it. In the many places I have been and am currently exploring, I always seek out the unique and extraordinary; sometimes they’re elite and expensive in the traditional definition of luxury, sometimes the most interesting and authentic, as luxury is often described now. I spent eight years as the very opinionated contributing editor for travel of Departures, American Express’ magazine for its platinum and centurion card holders, foraging for the best in the world. I continued that mission when I moved to Forbes Life in 2004, adding more adventurous experiences ranging from a high altitude dinosaur dig with a paleontologist in Central China and fly fishing in Tasmania to riding elephants on safari in Africa.

Why A Luxury Train Is The Best Way To Travel In India

India is a country of many marvels, but smooth flight connections and good roads aren’t among them. Over the last year, very disturbing sexual assaults on women, both Indian nationals and foreign visitors, have also received international attention, dropping the number of female visitors entering the country. There is so much to see in this country, though, that women, particularly first time visitors, should consider signing on to a luxury train experience. Besides the ease and convenience of being spared the chaos of airport transfers and the car to car combat on mottled roads, there is the added comfort of security: train staff are always around, as are other passengers.

My first experience a few years ago was The Golden Chariot, a luxury train through the southern region of Karnataka, known for extraordinary temples such as the complex at Hampi, but long, long drives between destinations and very few hotels of decent international quality.

Taking a train through more developed regions, such as Rajasthan, though, also has advantages. A recent trip on the Maharajas Express, on a week long itinerary , “The Indian Splendour,” spared logistical problems with reduced domestic flights and those agonizing roads (which I couldn’t escape once I left the train and went on to the smaller towns of western Rajasthan by car), allowed me to revisit places with pre-arranged private guides that I’d already seen but wanted to see again (the Taj Mahal, Jodhpur and Jaipur) and introduced me to others I hadn’t such as the Ranthambore National Park (but, unfortunately, notiger sightings) and Bikaner and its massive, intricate red and gold sandstone Junagarh Fort. That night, an expedition by camel cart to a desert barbecue including local musical and dance performances was certainly atmospheric and something I couldn’t have arranged myself.

The Maharajas Express parked near the most famous sight on its itineraries.

A double cabin on the Maharajas Express

On the train, the cabins are small but nicely furnished, my cabin attendant was very sweet and was always seconds away when I needed him (usually to reset the WiFi connection since the train does have WiFi but it’s temperamental.) And menus are both Indian and international in case you need a break from the Indian dishes on the Thali platters. (I didn’t.) But perhaps best is the mix of guests from all nations, including a group of multigeneration family members, all women, from the Middle East who were spirited companions and always brought snacks to the lounge after dinner. They had apparently already figured out that the train was the best way to travel.

A thali platter is on every night’s dinner menu in the Indian selections

Since most trips begin in Delhi, an excellent hotel choice is the recently opened Leela Palace which besides its lavish décor and exceptional Indian restaurant (plus an Indian accented version of New York’s Le Cirque for those who want to break into Indian cuisine gently), is only five minutes away from the train station from which the Maharajas Express departs.

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It is said that you haven’t traveled in India if if haven’t traveled on train. Luxury Trains in India add to the romance of train traveling in India and are very much different from normal train. From tourism point of view, I definitely agree with you when you say that they spare you from logistical problems with reduced domestic flights and traveling on agonizing roads by car. Besides, the itinerary also help you see the best of the India in finest mode of transportation and everything inclusive apart from hotel stay before and after the journey. And yes, it would take much to organize a private performance in the desert of Rajasthan. Good to know that that you enjoyed yourself aboard Maharajas Express.

Luxury trains in India re great way to explore Indian luxury and beauty together. Indian luxury train tour is by far the best train tour in the world. Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot, Deccan Odyssey are name names of luxury trains in India.

Seeing India by train may be the best way to experience the country’s soul. Travel on India luxury trains has become extremely popular. It’s an excellent way to explore the country without having to compromise on comfort.

PALACE ON WHEELS (www.palacewheels.net)- Luxury Train of India won the PATA Gold Award in year 1987 and also voted the 4th best luxurious train in the world in year 2010 by global travel magazine Conde Nast. Palace on Wheels has 7days and 8 night’s journeys which ride across the Rajasthan (Land of Rajputana Kings).

Maharajas Express (www.themaharajasexpressindia.com) – Maharajas’ Express train is a world of red carpets & high teas with maharajas of India. One of the most luxurious trains in world, it offers 5 exclusive rail journeys.

have fun with The fairy queen, india’s oldest classic train at Sariksa Wildlife Sanctuary..the train leaves from Delhi Cantonment Railway in every 2nd and 4th saturday of the month between oct to march. more @ http://www.travelaroundindia.com/search_result_details.php?fairy-queen#j_query

Life on board is all about comfort. I will bet for Maharajas Express. All the cabins and suites are wonderfully regal with huge windows, comfortable beds, LCD TV’s and DVD players. Other treats include an observation carriage with its own bar, games table and club armchairs, and two fine-dining restaurants.